Chubu University president to visitSummit to reinforce longstanding ties between institutions Oct 2, 2009 ByMary Reed

The president of Ohio University's sister school in Japan, Chubu University, will be on campus Oct. 5-7 to meet with Ohio University administrators, professors and students.

Chubu President Okitsugu Yamashita will arrive with three professors from his university for a packed schedule, including a summit with Ohio University President Roderick McDavis, a meeting with the Japanese Student Association and Chubu University students as well as a tour of the cherry trees on campus gifted by Chubu to Ohio University.

"The purpose of the visit is for President Yamashita to invite, in person, President McDavis to the 50th anniversary of Chubu University," said Chris Thompson, chair of the Department of Linguistics, which hosts as many as 70 Chubu University students per year in its intensive English program. Chubu University will celebrate its 50th anniversary in December. Ohio University and Chubu University have been sister universities since 1973.

"There are longstanding relationships and there are new projects on the horizon," Thompson added, referring to the cherry trees that line the Hocking River, Chubu's yearly donation to the Japanese Collection in Alden library and the $850,000 gift to renovate the building that houses the Center for International Studies, now known as Yamada International House. "There's a Chubu Room in the Yamada House that they have never seen," Thompson said.

Yamashita will meet with faculty and staff from international studies, linguistics and Alden Library. "It's important for them to acquaint themselves with the international programming on campus," said International Studies Director Dan Weiner. "It's also important for us to look at the future in terms of what we want to do (with) existing programming and new programming."